What’s Next For

Edmond Town Hall?

By Steve Bigham

The idea of moving all town offices out of Edmond Town Hall is not an entirely new concept. It has been mentioned on more than one occasion in recent years as the town has sought to address its municipal space shortage.

Last month, however, the idea took center stage when First Selectman Herb Rosenthal recommended that the town buy Fairfield Hills and renovate Shelton House to be used as Newtown’s town hall for the 21st Century. That plan became even more real Wednesday night when the town approved a $21.8 million spending plan, which, among other things, included the purchase of Fairfield Hills and renovation of Shelton House. It also included $1 million for much-needed building code updates at Edmond Town Hall.

Since 1930, Edmond Town Hall has stood as the seat of government in Newtown. The massive building was constructed through funds provided by Mary Hawley, who envisioned it being both a community center and town hall. And that is what is has been ever since. The first selectman’s office, probate court, and town clerk have been located there since the beginning, nestled in alongside the movie theater, gymnasium, and Alexandria Room.

As Mr Rosenthal points out, however, times have changed since Edmond Town Hall first opened. The building now houses the town’s finance department, tax collector, tax assessor, and the offices of the Town Hall Board of Managers. True, the post office, bowling alley, and police station have since been moved out, but the availability of space at town hall is at an all-time low.

“This building was envisioned as a community center as well as a town hall. The gym, Alexandria Room, and the theater take up the major parts of the building. The town offices are sort of around the fringes of the building,” Mr Rosenthal said.

In recent years, there had been talk of foregoing the purchase of Fairfield Hills and instead building a 23,000 square-foot addition to the back of the town hall to accommodate town offices, which are currently in various locations around town. That plan was put to rest once Fairfield Hills became a more viable option for the town.

 Two weeks ago, Mr Rosenthal suggested that “quasi-government” agencies such as Newtown Youth Services, the Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Music, the Borough, and others might want to fill up the vacated office space.

This week, Town Hall Board of Managers Chairman Edgar Beers agreed that Edmond Town Hall has outlived its usefulness as a town hall.

“Years ago, the town clerk took most of the work home and worked in her kitchen and the first selectman was a part-time job. The tax collector came in one month a year or you somehow got the money to him,” Mr Beers said.

On the other hand, he added, “You just don’t throw a building like that down the drain. We could move the Board of Managers upstairs and out of the bowels of the building. There are a lot of organizations that may be looking for some space.”

There has been talk over the years about the town losing the annual $45,000 or so principal it receives from the Mary Hawley Fund. Mrs Hawley’s will suggests that the first selectman’s office and probate court were to remain at Edmond Town Hall in order for the town to receive the money. Many have stated that the loss of the fund’s annual interest is not going to kill the town.

“It’s not really worth holding up the rest of the town. That used to be a lot of money, but these days it doesn’t even start to pay the utilities for the year,” one town official said.

Mr Rosenthal said he does not see the issue of the Mary Hawley Trust Fund playing a big part in the decision. “I’ve talked with various attorneys. I don’t think it’s a big deal. I think at the most the town might lose some revenue, but that’s not even an issue,” he said.

Under Mr Rosenthal’s plan, the 60,000 square foot Shelton House would house all town offices, including the Board of Education and those offices currently located at Canaan House. That building, also at Fairfield Hills, became the “temporary” home to the building department, health district, and land-use offices four years ago after they were forced out of Town Hall South due to flooding and general deterioration.

Shelton House has been described as the centerpiece of Fairfield Hills and can easily be seen directly ahead by those traveling through the entry plaza – a suitable location, many believe, for a new Newtown town hall. The building is adjacent to Woodbury and Newtown halls, two of the most aesthetically appealing buildings on the campus, which may eventually be used for small professional offices and commercial uses.

The estimated cost to renovate Shelton House is $6 million.